SYN ZE SASE TRI
'Sub Semnul Lupului'
(Code 666)
Featuring
one time vocalist from Negura Bunget’s last effort “Vîrstele
Pămîntului”, Syn Ze Sase Tri are another one of those acts
with connections, albeit loose, from that small cluster of atavistic
and nature centered group that includes Negura, Martolea
and Dorededuh. But that’s essentially where the
comparisons cease as this group of Romanians toil away at a rather
more symphonic and accessible style of black metal that is vastly
distanced from the primitive atmospheric endeavours of their peers,
choosing to mould their sound around that exhibited by Dimmu
Borgir and Ancient among others.
A
swift dissection of the cover tells you all you need to know about
'Sub Semnul Lupului' really; on first glance it’s rather
impressive, detailed and vibrantly coloured but typically full of the
old clichéd CGI and wolves and warriors and all that twaddle. Closer
analysis reveals an album that could have been so much more, one
which often showcases brief flashes of brilliance unfortunately
bogged down with a multitude of genre-notorious clichés and stacks
of untapped potential for a hugely talented band. Given the rather
awful name, which translates to “I’m With Triple Six”, first
impressions weren’t too hot and on the first run through my opinion
wasn’t exactly favourable.
The
first half of the album is mediocre at best really, by the book
symphonic black metal with the keys and synths marauding around all
over the place adding a ‘gothic horror’ type vibe which is the
strongest aspect of the album and integral to their sound. None of
the songs really stand out and grab you by the throat though, yet
they threaten so much more. The guitar riffing is so flat and
clinical, melo-death-esque thick chugging riffs with no imagination
or thought at all really put into them, and at times it becomes
completely overwhelmed by the keyboard infused blur that it often
descends into. The lead guitar is better though nothing
awe-inspiring; indeed it serves its purpose sufficiently without ever
threatening much more.
It
does have its pluses though, the title track does begin with some
interesting and moody Gregorian styled chanting before commencing its
faced paced symphonic assault and “Vatra Stramoseasca” contains
echoes of Sear Bliss in its subtle use of brass which is no
bad thing. The dual vocals of Corb and Lycan are somewhat interesting
and the deeper death growls add a welcome touch of brutality to a
genre not otherwise renowned for such, while you have the more
typical high pitched Shagrath styled rasp slotting in alongside.
It’s
from the middle of the album where it really shifts up a level
altogether, notably in the acoustic grandiosity of “In Pantecu
Pamantului” which bears a remarkable affinity to Nokturnal
Mortum’s “Sky of Saddened Nights” and is utterly
enthralling in its astral stroked melancholy. This significant shift
in their musical focus I feel is a direction they should delve into
in the future, as these Romanian acts have proved time and time again
how fucking great they are at this style. “Inaripat Sie Impietrit”
continues this furrow of organic, introspective and atmospheric
brilliance with more focus on the ‘metal’ this time summoning
crystalline visions of freshly bloodied snow and the dwindling embers
of a setting sun.
As
it closes, I’m left so frustrated that they didn’t choose to
produce the whole album in this vein; it’s that fucking good.
Still, those in need of an acceptable dose of sugary symphonic black
metal from the same furrows as Catamenia,
Ancient
and Graveworm
I would say give it a shot, though the album's true power and
grandiosity really doesn’t begin to materialize until its far far
too late, though the potential is there clearly for all to see, it’s
just what they decide to do with it next is the real question.
[6]
(Chris Cowgill)
[Originally written for The Metal Observer]
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